Margaret Kissane is founding owner of Connect Publications which she established in 2014. Having worked for over 10 years in the media industry nationally, Margaret saw an opening to support local and give Kerry a high-end publication. While the county has a number of fantastic weekly publications it was felt that a monthly lifestyle magazine for the Kerry area would work alongside these and it has, and with the expansion of the publication to include Connect Business quarterly it has become a household name. Margaret feels that a hands-on approach and dealing with her clients personally goes a long way in the service she provides, she gets to know the client and provides them with the service they require to market their business in the most beneficial way for them.
Margaret is passionate about supporting local and is involved in a number of local initiatives around the county. She has also worked with TY Students in schools around the county and hosts a number of successful awards events throughout the year honouring people in their specific area. As life is busy, spare time is not high on the agenda but she loves to make time for her friends for a catch-up and likes nothing better than a long walk early in the morning to clear the head for the day ahead.
Can leadership be taught? If so, how?
I think leadership is a skill that is in each individual and how it is nurtured to fruition in a person will result in how strong a leader a person can be. No two people are the same and that is why some will stand out as leaders whereas others will be happier blending in as part of a team, however, I do feel it can be taught to a certain level to encourage someone to believe more in themselves and build confidence in their own qualities.
What do you think is the difference between management and leadership?
I think management is something that can be taught and someone can become a great manager, whereas a leader is someone who will be followed by many and will give guidance to those people to encourage them to reach their potential.
The world around us is changing faster than at any time in human history and we need more leaders to emerge. How do we make this happen?
I think we already have many good leaders and just to work with young people at the moment and see the speed they are learning at and the understanding they have of the world around us makes it more reassuring that with a little support the world is in safe hands for the future.
What is the one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others?
I don’t think it’s a situation of leaders making mistakes as I feel everyone has to learn every day and nobody knows everything but I guess sometimes a leader can make an error as there are so many things to keep up with, life is very fast paced now and something can be omitted very quickly trying to keep up.
What advice would you give to someone dealing with a high-pressure situation in their life or work?
I would always say to someone stop and take a breath, look around and take in the situation so your own mind is clearer, weigh up the priorities and categorise these in order, keep balance at all times and remember to look after yourself and ensure life has a purpose so you can keep going and do what you do to your best potential. This will result in a no regret situation no matter how pressured it becomes. Delivering your best every day is all anyone can ask for.
What are a few resources (books, blogs, podcasts, courses etc) you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?
I would recommend reading what is going on around you every day, the Sunday Business Post and Sunday Independent are two of my reads each week, also on a local level, the Business Show on Radio Kerry each Thursday is extremely encouraging to those looking to further their business. Look around you on a local level and take note of some of the wonderful business people we have in our county, while we all strive to be like the international greats I think it’s great to take a lead from those closer to home and learn from there to climb the ladder of life.. we have some amazing business leaders here in Kerry all who would have I’m sure no problem chatting to anyone and giving the leaf of encouragement that is sometimes needed to become a leader.
